Building client relationships: The art of Professional 'Dating’

Ever thought about how building business relationships is a lot like dating?

In our quest to build meaningful client relationships, I often compare it to dating. It's an interesting parallel, isn't it? Navigating professional connections can indeed be much like the intricate dance of romantic pursuits.

Imagine this: In dating, we usually seek a deep, lasting connection, not just a passing fling. Let's be clear, though: there's nothing wrong with one-night stands in the dating scene – they have their time and place. However, in business, we are not after one-off deals; we aspire to be the go-to advisors, the problem solvers, creating foundations for long-term relationships.

Photo by Leonardo Sanches on Unsplash

Starting conversations with care

Delving into this analogy, consider how conversations often start: people talking about their services, their achievements. On LinkedIn, for example, you might have come across some who reach out with a blunt introduction and unsolicited portfolio. But that's like going on a date and immediately talking about yourself – not the best impression, right? Instead, let's flip the script and show genuine curiosity. What's their story? Their challenges? Their aspirations? This approach sparks meaningful connections.

An invitation for you

So here's my invitation to you: Reflect on your client relationship-building techniques. How can you become more interesting by being more interested?

Not comfortable initiating new conversations?

Regarding approaching new people: It's okay if you're not comfortable initiating contact. But remember, 'closed mouths don't get fed'. Taking that first step can open unexpected doors.

A step in between can be asking a friend to make an introduction. If someone vouches for you, it's like getting a trust head start. This principle holds true in business with referrals.

Meeting someone new, whether on a dating app or LinkedIn, requires more tact. It's about exchanging ideas, getting to know each other, and figuring out if investing more time and energy is worthwhile.

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The shortcut

Here are several questions you can personalise and adapt to build those connections. Tailor each one to fit the moment, and focus on just one at a time. Here are a few for you to draw inspiration from:

For a new connection on LinkedIn, especially those who send requests without a note:

"Thanks for connecting! I noticed your [specific detail about their profile or work and what you think about it]. May I ask, what inspired you to reach out to me?"

Simple Industry Insight:

"In just a few words, how would you sum up the current state of your industry?"

"Is there a particular trend in your sector that you find most intriguing or significant?"

Goals & Priorities:

"What's one key achievement you're targeting in the near future?"

"I saw your update on [specific project or interest]. How's it going, and what's your top priority right now?"

For Mentoring Figures:

"Given your wealth of experience, what's one golden piece of advice you'd offer to someone following in your footsteps?"

Offering Value:

"I have some ideas that might help with [a challenge/goal they have]. Would you be interested in hearing them?"

"I've worked with similar businesses/individuals in the past and found some strategies that tend to work well. Would you like to discuss them?"

Asking your friend for an Introduction:

You don’t happen to know one person that…..[characteristics of ideal client or the problem you solve].

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Interesting opportunities for you

Every week, we comb through numerous job boards to find freelance opportunities, saving our members hours of time. Here is a selection of 10 opportunities for this week.

Content Creator -Biorestore
📍Remote

Researcher/Writer: Stakeholder-led Net-Zero Transitions - The Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB)
📍Remote
💰day rate of up to £300/day
⏰ 4th of February

Content Writer - Waterfront Alliance
📍Remote, US
💰USD $40 - USD $60 / hour

Senior Product Marketing Manager - Stellar Development Foundation
📍San Francisco
💰$90 to $110 per hour

Call for Communications & Visual Media Consultants (multiple roles) - The Advancing Capacity for the Environment (ACE) program
📍Remote, US

Graphic Designer- Advanceful
📍Remote

Linkedin Communication - The Week
📍Remote (located in Europe or  in Eastern Time Zone or Central Time Zone (if in the US)
💰300 $ per working day

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant - The Climate Coalition
💰£25,000 inclusive of fees and VAT
⏰ 28th January

Virtual Assistant and Support - Capital Region Planning Commission
📍Remote
💰$ 26-35/HR ASAP

Head of Operations - DeepSea Conservation Coalition
📍Netherlands, Remote
⏰ 1st of February

Join as a member to unlock full access. We've shared over 70 opportunities just in January alone. There is time until the end of January to secure one of the few limited spots to join IMMA in February.

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Behind the Scenes at IMMA:

• Exhausted from last year, I chose to spend a week working at a slower pace in the mountains, enjoying card games, naps, and walks with my family. It's moments like these that remind me why I created IMMA and why I'm grateful for the flexibility of working for myself.

  

• A huge thanks to everyone who is contributing to and shaping IMMA by liking, posting, commenting, sharing, and initiating. It’s you, our members, and our local hosts for the meet-ups in London and Berlin, who make this possible. 🫶

  
  Thanks for reading, I appreciate you.

  
  Lilli